Among the very few LCA teachers to devote their entire careers to the school, Irene Campbell is the only one who started working at the school when she was still in college. She coached girls’ basketball part time for the ’72-’73 season, and softball that spring. Grace Strodel asked her to apply to work full-time the following fall. After considerable prayer, Irene signed her first agreement, the first of over 50! Until then, coaching had been an extra-curricular assignment for teachers whether or not they had experience or interest in sports. Irene had interest, experience, and skill, so the girls’ records improved dramatically. She taught girls’ PE and a variety of science courses in middle school and high school, coached three seasons for many years, served as informal and formal counselor, and frequently chaperoned school outings, most notably the annual chorale tour.
Rosemarie Manganello was directing the Chorale tour and Irene went as a chaperone. Always interested in having fun, Irene put on a choir robe and filed onto the risers with the students. When Rosemarie spotted her, she laughed. At another concert Rosemarie announced a guest conductor for the final song. The students knew the song well and the accompanist was able to carry the them. When Rosemarie announced that Irene was conducting, Rosemarie sat down in the first row signaling for students not to laugh. Afterwards, audience members remarked on the energy and joy the chorale exhibited in the final song.
Ginny Gibney (’88) remembers Irene’s impact: “Thanks for pouring into my life in so many ways. So many memories of you coaching me in three sports-for 6 years, teaching anatomy, chaperoning Chorale tours and New Life concerts, trips to Virginia Beach and Florida for lacrosse and one trip to Nantucket. Don’t forget you were my advisor too. I’m grateful most for your friendship and mentoring. You always gave me a high standard to reach that made me want to surpass it – this is where my stubbornness paid off.” Irene has had the privilege of coaching many of her former students’ children. She has also seen some of her athletes become coaches.
After Irene completed her master’s degree in counseling she touched the lives of many students during hard times they were experiencing. Irene often sat in the hospital with international students whose parents were far away. She advised families on how to support students and helped to connect families with counselors for their teens. Irene’s strong faith helped remind students and parents that problems did not have to be solved alone but that God was always with them.
Irene has worn many hats at LCA. In addition to being a coach and a teacher, she has stepped in to assist in many other areas. It is not uncommon to see Irene working at the front desk on nights and weekends. In this role she often has the opportunity to introduce parents to programs offered at LCA. She served many hours at the dorm desk supporting both dorm staff and students. After semi-retiring, Irene also served as a substitute teacher. Thank you, Irene, for serving God faithfully at LCA.
CAMPBELL-HOFFMAN SENIOR SCIENCE AWARD
This award was established in 2013 in honor of Irene Campbell and Henry “Jake” Hoffman ’64 in recognition of their 40 years of dedicated service as teachers of science and mentors at LCA. This award is given annually to a senior for outstanding work in science.
